When Kissing Turns Awkward

Several years ago I posted an article entitled Ankissipating, about looking forward to (anticipating) greater intimacy and oneness with Jesus. There is a delightfully fun text in Song of Solomon that bespeaks of closeness and intimacy – the yearning of a bride for her groom: “Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth–For [his] love is better than wine” (Song of Solomon 1.2).

Last week I was teaching a mini-series on the Song of Solomon when I realized how dangerous such a plea and prayer was. Yes I want intimacy and oneness with Jesus. The prayer of Solomon’s bride is the same cry of my heart (though spiritual, not physical). I want nearness with Jesus. I crave greater intimacy. I want a greater embrace and relationship.

But it occurred to me, when we look at Jesus in Revelation 19, there is a sword coming out of His mouth. Now that would be an awkward kiss.

Let me make two brief observations:

1. Intimacy with Jesus will likely result in a piercing to my life.

If I long to draw close to Christ, I am soon confronted with a sword protruding from His mouth. I must realize that while He is a God of love, He is also a God of perfect righteousness and holiness. If I want a deeper relationship with Him, I must be willing to let go of anything in my life that is opposite of His nature and character. I cannot allow sin to remain in my life and still expect a closeness with Jesus. I must allow Him to come within and remove and transform anything and everything within me that is not of Him.

2. The Word of God is a sword.

I find it interesting that the Living Word (Jesus) has a sword coming out of His mouth. In scripture there are several times when Scripture is tied to a sword. For example:

• Hebrews 4.12: For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
• Ephesians 6:13, 17: Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. … And take … the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

So the Living Word has a piercing sword (the Written Word) coming from His mouth. The Word is confrontational in my life. It exposes the reality of my life and reveals my desperate need for a Savior. Not only is Jesus the Truth but He speaks Truth. He is the Word of God made flesh.

If I want intimacy and oneness with Him, I must allow the Word of God to confront and expose my life. If I want a richer and more vibrant relationship with Him, I must be a man of the Word.

Am I willing to draw neigh to Christ? Am I willing to have the same plea of the bride who yearns, “Oh let Him kiss me with the kisses of His mouth … even if it means I first must be confronted and exposed. Pierce, prod, change, and transform my life dear Jesus! Do whatever is necessary within me so that I might embrace You more – so that our relationship would go beyond Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings, so that the oneness I can have with you is a constant intimacy throughout every moment of every day. Dear Lord, draw me closer and remove anything in my life that is a blockade between You and I.”